2 soldiers dead in clashes with IS followers in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY—Clashes broke out on Wednesday (July 29) in the province of Maguindanao between government soldiers and local Islamic State followers that left two infantry men dead and 13 wounded, according to the military.

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, told a local radio station that the clashes took place around 6 a.m. at the village of Penditen in Datu Salibo town when members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked soldiers of the 57th Infantry Battalion.

The soldiers were patrolling the village when the terrorists set off a roadside bomb and opened fire at soldiers.

Atilano withheld the identity of the slain infantrymen as their immediate families have not yet been officially informed.

Local officials said at least seven BIFF fighters were also wounded in the clashes.

The wounded soldiers were rushed to the military’s Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

Atilano said clearing operations are still ongoing.

TSB